What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, often called “wear-and-tear arthritis.”
It happens when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in a joint gradually breaks down, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

  • Joint pain (worse with activity, better with rest)

  • Stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity)

  • Swelling around the joint

  • Reduced range of motion

  • Grinding or crackling sound (crepitus)

  • Bone spurs (hard lumps around the joint)

  • Age – risk increases with age

  • Gender – more common in women after 50

  • Joint injury – past injuries can increase risk

  • Obesity – extra weight adds stress on joints

  • Genetics – family history plays a role

  • Overuse – repetitive movements or heavy lifting

  • Medical history & physical exam

  • X-rays → show cartilage loss, bone spurs

  • MRI (in some cases) → shows early cartilage damage

  • Blood tests → usually normal (used to rule out other types of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis)

There is no permanent cure, but treatment helps manage symptoms and slow progression:

🩺 Non-Surgical Management

  • Lifestyle changes → weight management, exercise (low-impact like walking, swimming, cycling)

  • Physical therapy → improves strength & flexibility

  • Pain relief

    • Paracetamol / NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen)

    • Topical gels/creams

    • Heat or cold packs

  • Assistive devices → knee braces, canes, shoe inserts

💉 Medical Interventions

  • Corticosteroid injections → reduce inflammation

  • Hyaluronic acid injections → lubrication (sometimes used in knee OA)

🦴 Surgical Options

  • Arthroscopy (cleaning joint – less common now)

  • Osteotomy (bone realignment)

  • Joint replacement (Arthroplasty) → hip or knee replacement for severe cases

🔹 Prevention & Self-Care

  • Maintain healthy weight

  • Stay physically active (low-impact exercises)

  • Avoid joint overuse & injuries

  • Balanced diet (rich in calcium, vitamin D, omega-3s)

  • Use proper posture and body mechanics

Take the first step towards relief from joint pain and stiffness

Book your appointment with our Rheumatology specialist today for expert care and personalized treatment.

BOOK APPOINTMENT